Readers' comments

Not all of your readers may know that the "one in Japan" you mentioned in passing is the scientist who developed iPSC technology, Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, who won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for his discovery in 2006 of the means to transform adult cells into embryonic stem cell-like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). This is the breakthrough discovery that enabled the companies that produce iPSC-derived cells for commerce, and the hundreds of academic and industry researchers who are applying iPSC technology for projects that range from cell therapy, human disease research, and drug development, to attempts to rescue endangered species. Dr. Yamanaka is not a historical figure- he continues to be a leading researcher in this field, with a very large research institute in Kyoto dedicated to applying iPSC technology to improve human health.

As miraculous as this work is, its effect on the overall life expectancy of the community is much less than one good sewer system. In economic terms it will lead to many more bankruptcies as the rising cost of health care to pay for all these miracles is way beyond what the American public can afford.